The Wise Guys of Community First were small in number on a night they do not normally meet, but their enthusiasm was high while practicing for an upcoming appearance. They are, from left, Noah Middleton, Malik Robinson, Dequandre Smalls, Dhezea Smalls, Brandale Jenkins, Kalin Jenkins and Luigi Carr. Robert Seignious, right, is serving as acting leader.

It takes a great deal of effort to keep the roof from blowing off the top of Community First's building on May River Road. It's not because the structural underpinnings are so weak but because the energy of its regular youth groups is so great.

The 501(3)(c) nonprofit supports single parent families and grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Several of the organization's programs are aimed at adults for improving parenting, running a household and finishing education. Two of them are specifically for those still in school, from elementary to high school students.

Power Girls! The Butterflies is for girls and Wise Guys is for boys. Both provide an avenue to success for young people who may be at risk for getting into trouble, something all of them are aware might happen.

Dequandre Smalls, 11, a member of the Wise Guys, said he wanted to make something of his life.

"I want to stay off the streets and keep from selling drugs and stuff," Smalls said. He has hopes of becoming a professional athlete and intends to follow up that career as a physical education teacher.

He's not alone in his dream of joining the NFL or the NBA, but almost all of the young men acknowledged that school and respect were playing a huge role in their lives at the moment. And they realize they need a backup plan for that sports career.

"I'm here so I can get my grades up, be better at school and give respect," said Noah Middleton. He wants to play in the NFL but he also wants to donate some of those earnings to the homeless and children in hospitals.

Malik Robinson, whose first night was this past Wednesday, said he needed good grades and to learn how not to be bad.

"I need to be more respectful," Robinson said. His future plans include the NBA and becoming an engineer.

Rashayda Mervin and Jamesha Aiken enjoy being in the Power Girls!

"I joined because I want to have fun. And I want to be a nurse," Mervin said.

Aiken joined for similar reasons. "I want to have fun, build selfesteem and hope one day to become a neonatologist," she said.

Leading the youth groups takes dedication, training and not a little patience because these are energetic young people who find the small building somewhat confining.

"I love it. I want to be there for the girls," said leader Josephine Bredice. "I was always in youth groups. It's about education, the Lord and prospering. The whole Power Girls! program is about empowerment."

Both the boys and girls perform songs, dances and recitations. They're next performance is Dec. 15 at Seabrook of Hilton Head Nursing Home, bringing cookies and dancing for the residents.

"We're trying to teach the girls ethics and compassion and that you have to be out there for the community," Bredice said. "We're going back to the basics of principles and morals."

Part of the time spent at Community First is used to discuss 10 principles and how they impact on a relationship with God and others. The subjects include rebellion, personal responsibility, work ethic, the Golden Rule, honoring parents and loving the Lord.

"We don't want our girls getting pregnant and dropping out of school," Community First founder Pastor Pearla Harvey said. "That's what happens when you have a lot of idle time on your hands and don't know how to fill it."

The membership requirements include no more than two suspensions from school, missing no more than three group meetings and maintaining at least a C average in school.

Both groups meet once a week for about an hour, the boys at 5 p.m. Wednesdays and the girls meet at 5 p.m. Thursdays. They keep busy and with performances added to their activities, there's never a dull moment.

"They dance, they eat, they study, they go home," said leader Alicia Compton.

"We try to fit in as much as we can," said Tremaine Hudson.

For more information, drop by Community First at 1215 May River Road from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, call 706-9580 or visit www.familiesindistress.com

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